Chapter 16

"You're looking better today Sam," Ice commented as he looked the young man over.

"I feel better. I think whatever was in my system has finally worked its way out. No fever today and the wrist is better."

"Your bandage still needs changing," Dean told him pulling out the first aid kit. "Let me get that done before you start packing."

"Okay," Sam replied holding his arm out without protest. He looked around and saw it was just getting light in the forest and hoped they could make up some time today so they could get out of this place. It still gave him a weird feeling and he would feel a lot more at ease when they were free of it.

Dean took the kit and quickly replaced Sam's wrapping and taped it securely in place. He cupped his chin and turned his head to check his eyes closely to be sure he was better and not fibbing. Sam snarled and pulled his head away so he could get up and finish packing.

"Don't get snarly with me dude," Dean snipped at Sam knowing how ill-tempered he could be when he wasn't feeling good.

"I said I was better," Sam told his brother. "Now let's get going and try to make some time up today."

"Is everyone ready?" Dean asked looking at the other two travelers, who nodded yes. "You want to take the lead first Ice and I'll take over later."

"No problem. Hopefully we won't run into any delays today." Ice glanced up through the leaves to locate the sun to get its position and then started through the trees.

"I can take the rear this time," Sam offered waiting for Dean to go ahead of him with Titus. He returned Dean's icy stare until he snorted and followed Ice.

Titus smiled and nodded at Sam for a moment before following Dean. He knew Sam needed this and wasn't going to say anything.

Sam fell in behind them, as he went on alert, scanning the area to check for any danger. He has his gun within easy reach and his machete at his side. They made sure their water bottles were full since they didn't know when they'd find water again.

Spn

It was the second day of the travelers' journey out of the Forbidden Forest and Ice and Dean both noticed that the overgrowth was starting to thin out, and they could make better time. That only meant one thing, they were getting close to the border and would be out of the forest. The only problems they ran into were a nest of meat-eating bats roosting in the trees that they gave a wide berth not wanting to disturb them.

"We're getting close, I can feel it," Dean commented looking around the forest.

"I agree. It's getting easier to travel again too," Ice agreed. "Maybe by tomorrow afternoon we will break free of the forest."

"Hear that Sammy and Ty, I think we're almost out of this place," Dean called to them.

"That sounds great. Maybe one more night camping here," Sam commented. He wiped his face and took a couple of sips of water, trying to ration it. They were all sharing with Titus, so he'd have water too.

"I say we hike as long as we can today before stopping for the night. That will put us that much closer to the border."

"After you, fearless leader," Sam teased giving a sweep of his hand, only to get the finger from Dean.

Dean took the lead now and picked the best way for them to travel forward. Sam traveled with Titus and Ice came in the rear to guard their backs. They moved at a steady pace for several hours before taking a ten-minute break and then continuing onward wanting to take advantage of the light they still had. Dean had picked up what looked like the trace of an animal trail they were using that was heading in the direction they wanted to go.

"Look Dean," Sam called to him a while later. "Those plants seem healthier that way. Maybe that means there's a source of water nearby."

"Okay, we'll take a few minutes and see if we can find some water," he answered. Dean veered from the trail and walked among the bushes that Sam noticed. It took him about ten minutes before he found a bubble of water seeping from the ground among the bushes. "Found it," Dean let the others know. "All we need to do is make a hole for the water to gather and we can fill anything that's empty."

Sam dropped his pack and moved to his brother's side. He picked up a rock and began to pull the loose dirt and debris to create a two by two-foot hole. He leaned back when they were done and watched the water begin to gather in it. As it filled, the dirt settled to the bottom leaving clean water at the surface.

"Okay, there's enough to start filling empty containers," Dean noted taking out the bottles from his pack. He was also going to collect water in the cooking pt and coffee pot. He was going to have Titus carry them to their next camp.

"I think we can travel another hour or so before finding a place to camp," Ice commented.

"Sounds good to me." Dean moved so Ice could take his place. "Think you can carry these Ty?"

"Sure, no problem," he replied accepting the containers. He adjusted his grip and prepared to continue their trek.

"Here, use this around the handle," Sam offered pulling his bandana out for Titus. "It'll help cushion the handle, so it won't cut into your hand."

"Good idea, here Ty, use mine for the other one," Dean said. He pulled his bandana out and wrapped it around the other pot.

"Thanks guys. That does feel better."

They got back on the trail and followed it for nearly two hours before they lost the light and had to stop for the night. Dean found a couple of trees that would make a suitable shelter and they got busy getting a fire going, gathering wood, setting up their sleeping bags, and then cooking their meal.

After cleaning up and settling down, Sam insisted he would take the first watch so the others could sleep. He settled near the fire and added wood to keep it going. Titus moved to join him for a bit to keep him company. They talked about random things until Sam told him to get some sleep.

Spn

Everyone was up early the next morning filled with anticipation that they would be out of the forest that day. They had a the last of their coffee and power bars for breakfast and ate quickly so they could be on their way. The day was warm and slightly overcast making it feel humid. As the morning progressed a breeze blew through the trees, rustling the leaves and cooling the air slightly.

"Is it getting lighter or am I imaging it?" Sam asked, as he looked around them at their surroundings.

"It is. The trees are thinning out because we are getting closer to the border now," Ice answered him.

"This place still feels creepy and makes my spider senses go off, but knowing we're so close to getting out overshadows that."

"I don't think it'll be much longer, maybe another hour."

"And then we'll go back to the farm where we left the horses and use them again?"

"Yes. We'll ride them back to my friend's place and return them."

"I know Titus is anxious to get back to his family. I sure would be."

"Anyone need to stop?" Dean asked as he continued to lead.

"No, I think we're all wanting to get out of this place," Ice answered for them after giving the others a brief glance.

"Okay, but if we need to stop, let me know."

In less than an hour, the weary travelers picked up their pace and finally stepped from the Forbidden Forest and breathed a sigh of relief. They walked to the road that ran the length of the forest border and started walking easily down it.

"Hallelujah!" Dean sighed as he tilted his head to let the sun bathe it in its warm glow. "It feels good to be out of there."

"I second that," Sam agreed. He felt like a heavy burden was lifted from him now and he could breathe easier.

"I'm almost home," Titus mumbled to himself smiling happily.

None realized the threat that was looming above them as they strolled down the road. They were happily talking among themselves as they made their way to the farm to retrieve their horses. It struck with such force that it knocked Ice, Dean, and Titus off their feet, but Sam wasn't so lucky.

A/N: You know I couldn't pass up a cliff hanger. Thank you for coming on this journey with me. I do like reviews/comments. NC